2958. 'My lord, hear me' means the initial state of receptivity. This too is clear from what follows, as well as from what has been stated already in 2945, where the same words occur. There however the reply was No, whereas here it is affirmative, though still expressing doubt, for in what follows almost immediately come the words, 'What is that between me and you?' which means that he gave his assent yet still wished to achieve it by himself. What is more, 'My lord, hear me' is purely an expression used to lead another person to reflect, while yet implying a state in which a proposal is made.

1262. From this it now becomes clear that 'the earth' here also means the Church; for when the earth is mentioned, one's only perception is of the nation or people there, and when a nation or people is envisaged one's only perception is of their character. Consequently 'the earth' means nothing other than the Church, as shown already in 662, 1066.